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Fire Fighter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Airport Firefighter

Johnston, IA · On-site

$47K - $70K/yr

Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board(ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter I certification, and Possession of current National ...

EMT and/or fire fighter experience preferred * Certifications preferred: * Certified Safety Professional (CSP) * Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) * Associates Safety Professional (ASP) * Graduate ...

EMT and/or fire fighter experience preferred * Certifications preferred: * Certified Safety Professional (CSP) * Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) * Associates Safety Professional (ASP) * Graduate ...

Fire Protection Project Designer | Urbandale, IA 100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture IMEG is hiring a Fire Protection Project Designer in Urbandale ...

New

Firefighter

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$68K/yr

Responds to fire alarms; lays hose lines, operates nozzles, pumps, hydrants, fire extinguishers, breathing * apparatus and other fire fighting equipment to control or extinguish fire; looks for ...

New

Firefighter

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$68K/yr

Knowledge of fire fighting methods and techniques; Knowledge of emergency medical assistance procedures; Knowledge of construction of buildings as applied to inspections and pre-planning programs;

MATERIALS HANDLER SUPERVISOR

IA · On-site +1

$30.56 - $35.66/hr

May be required to perform such additional duties as structural fire fighting, aircraft fire/crash/rescue duty, security guard, snow removal, munitions loading and handling, heavy equipment operation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Fighter information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$56K

$93.9K

How much do fire fighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire fighter in Iowa is $55,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $64,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire fighter?

Fire fighters are trained professionals responsible for responding to fires, emergencies, and disasters to protect lives, property, and the environment. They perform tasks such as extinguishing fires, rescuing people, providing first aid, and educating the public about fire safety. Fire fighters work in physically demanding and often dangerous conditions, requiring specialized training, teamwork, and quick decision-making skills. Their duties also include maintaining equipment and participating in drills to stay prepared for emergencies.

What does a fire fighter do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire fighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Fighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often with EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, rescue tools, and hazardous materials handling systems is typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills that set exceptional firefighters apart. These competencies are vital to ensure effective emergency response, personal and team safety, and the protection of the public.

What are some common challenges faced by fire fighters during emergency response, and how can new recruits prepare for them?

Firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-stress situations, such as rapidly changing fire conditions, hazardous materials, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. New recruits can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, developing strong teamwork and communication skills, and participating in realistic training scenarios. Additionally, learning to manage stress and staying up-to-date with safety protocols are essential for both personal safety and effective emergency response.

What is the difference between Fire Fighter vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectFire FighterEmergency Medical Technician
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredEMT certification, some roles require advanced EMS certifications
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency responseAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, fire departments

Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) both respond to emergencies, but Fire Fighters primarily handle fire suppression and rescue, while EMTs focus on providing medical care. Many Fire Fighters are also trained as EMTs, making their roles complementary in emergency response teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Fighter jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Fire Fighter jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter jobs in Iowa?

For Fire Fighter jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Fire Fighter jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Fire Fighter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter jobs in IA?

For Fire Fighter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,986 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Airport Firefighter

State of Iowa

Johnston, IA • On-site

$47K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description What We Are Seeking: Are you looking for an exciting career helping others. The Iowa Department of Public Defense is hiring an Airport Firefighter to assist the state at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. The successful candidate will perform firefighting, rescue, salvage, fire prevention, and fire protection operations on an assigned shift at a joint use civil/military airport to save persons, aircraft, and facilities from fires; performs related work as required.

Who We Are: Our Agency directly supports the Iowa National Guard sustainment, readiness and modernization, providing support so they can fulfill their missions in Iowa's communities or their work for the State during emergencies or times of need. We are made strong by a highly qualified, diverse and talented staff. Working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense will provide you with the opportunity for a robust career.

What You'll Do: Actively participates in training programs to ensure USAF, ANG, FAA, OSHA, IDPH, AFOSH, and NFPA requirements are met. Participate in the department's Fire Prevention Program. Responds when called upon to emergencies to rescue personnel, provide EMS services, fire suppression, HAZMAT, confined space entry and rescue.

Perform daily vehicle inspections and station duties. Participate in physical conditioning program. Location and hours - 185th Air Refueling Wing, 2920 Headquarters Ave.

Sioux City, IA 51111 0700-0700 24 hours on/48 hours off; 9-hour Kelly Day each 21 day Pay: $17.31/hour based off an average 53-hour work week. Providing performance meets or exceeds expectations, increases will be made after the first 6 months and then annually. Please Note: Candidate must have one of the following: Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board(ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter I certification, and Possession of current National Registry Emergency Medical Service certification; OR Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board(ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter II certification, and Possession of a current State of Iowa Emergency Medical Service certification

Benefits: At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year. Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.

Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan. Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care). Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs. To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage. Why Choose Us.

Choose us for our strong team culture, positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The State of Iowa is an E-Verify employer. A complete package combining benefits, career and personal development is available here for you. Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets us apart and come be a part of our team.

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: Applicants must submit a copy of Firefighter Certification at time of application: Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency; and Minimum age of eighteen years old; and Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board (ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter I certification. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must complete a rigorous physical agility fitness test

Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough medical examination provided by the employer in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 standards. Employees must possess a valid state driver's license, which must be maintained to continue employment. Within 30 days of employment, employees must be able to obtain a government vehicle operator's license.

Within one year of employment, employees must pass a thorough background investigation and obtain a government SECRET security clearance. This clearance must be maintained to continue employment. Within one year of employment, employee must attain IFSAC of ProBoard approved Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter, and Haz-Mat Operations certifications.

Must also attain certifications for all assigned vehicles: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) driver/operator, Pumper driver/operator, and Mobile Water Supply driver/operator. Within six months of employment, employees must attain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency care techniques. Within two years of employment, member must attain a State of Iowa Department of Public Health EMS certification.


What State Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939